Dubai Fashion Week 2025 dazzled with collections from global designers, including Viva Vox’s avant-garde pieces, Lama Jouni’s blend of streetwear and luxury, and Michael Cinco’s couture gowns—showcasing fashion's future in the heart of Dubai.
Dubai has solidified its position as a global fashion capital with the rise of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), which continues to draw an international audience and showcase the creativity of top designers. Launched in 2019 by the Dubai Design District (d3) in partnership with the Arab Fashion Council, DFW’s mission is to elevate Dubai as a world-renowned fashion hub, bringing together global talent, buyers, and enthusiasts. Held twice annually, the fashion week is celebrated for its eclectic mix of regional and international designers, and the 2025 edition has been no exception. From avant-garde collections to luxurious couture, DFW has proven to be a platform where fashion knows no bounds. With global partnerships and an exclusive Buyers Programme, Dubai Fashion Week is not just about runway shows—it’s a strategic event that connects designers with international buyers, propelling the fashion industry forward.
For fashion lovers, Dubai Fashion Week is a celebration of five key aspects that make it truly special: 1) its ability to seamlessly blend high-end luxury with accessible streetwear, 2) its commitment to supporting emerging designers through the Buyers Programme, 3) the spotlight it shines on diverse international influences, 4) its strategic partnerships with global brands, and 5) the inclusive nature of the event, which fosters innovation and global collaboration. Held annually at the Dubai Design District (d3), DFW has become a must-attend event for the global fashion elite. The city’s rich cultural tapestry and rapid development have created an ideal backdrop for showcasing fashion that is both contemporary and timeless.
Highlights from Day Four of Dubai Fashion Week – Autumn/Winter 2025/26
Day Four of Dubai Fashion Week featured an exciting and diverse range of collections, with designers showcasing both avant-garde visions and timeless designs. Russian label Viva Vox opened the day with bold, edgy designs that captivated attendees with their experimental fabric combinations and vibrant hues. Known for pushing fashion boundaries, Creative Director Oleg Ovsiyov’s designs were a perfect way to start the day, offering a fresh perspective on luxury fashion.
Next up, DFW member Lama Jouni took the stage, presenting her Autumn/Winter 2025/26 collection that blended streetwear with luxury. Known for her ability to create chic and modern looks, Jouni’s pieces highlighted the female form with a range of versatile silhouettes in monochrome tones. With a focus on practicality and elegance, her designs offered a stylish yet wearable approach to high fashion.
CHOICE’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection was another standout, drawing inspiration from the glamour of the 1970s. Featuring soft linens, silks, and metallic accents, the collection celebrated femininity with flattering waistlines, asymmetric draping, and sleek trench coats, offering a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.
Riva’s collection brought timeless charm to the runway, with flowing kaftans and intricately embroidered designs that evoked both luxury and contemporary sophistication. The collection’s soothing palette of off-white, mint, and sand complemented the warm caramel and olive tones, capturing the essence of summer and perfecting the balance between urban and casual elegance.
The day concluded with a breathtaking presentation by global couture designer Michael Cinco, who showcased his exceptional craftsmanship in opulent gowns. The collection, featuring rich brocades, intricate embellishments, and classic silhouettes, highlighted Cinco’s dedication to couture, firmly cementing his position as one of the region’s most respected designers.
Beyond the runway shows, the Buyers Programme at DFW provided a platform for leading designers like Bil Arabi, Emergency Room, and more to present their private collections to international buyers. This exclusive programme has become one of the most valuable aspects of Dubai Fashion Week, allowing emerging talents to connect with key industry players and opening doors to global markets. Through this programme, Dubai Fashion Week continues to build bridges and create opportunities for designers around the world, further establishing the city as an international fashion epicenter.
Day 5 of Dubai Fashion Week truly captivated the audience with an eclectic mix of tradition, culture, and innovative design. One of the highlights of the day was THAT Concept Store’s multi-designer showcase, which offered a rich blend of fashion aesthetics from globally renowned brands. From Hellessy’s minimalist elegance to Christopher Esber’s chic, contemporary pieces, the runway was a celebration of fashion’s ability to merge diverse styles into a cohesive vision. The addition of Bil Arabi’s statement jewelry added a bold, yet refined touch, illustrating how fashion and culture can converge beautifully.
Equally impressive was SaiJamin’s evocative presentation, Adiyuh: Memories and Dreams, which was deeply personal and moving. The collection, inspired by the designer’s childhood and her father’s influence, created a sense of nostalgia through luxurious fabrics like silk and jacquard. The delicate hues of blues, pinks, and blacks conjured the landscapes of the Caucasus, making the collection not only a tribute to her heritage but also a striking fusion of emotional depth and modern design.
I was also moved by Molato’s Beldi Beneath the Waves, which honored Morocco’s rich craft tradition while embracing contemporary couture techniques. The intricate craftsmanship, paired with the fluidity of the ocean-inspired designs, spoke to a sense of pride and authenticity. Each piece on the runway was a beautiful reminder of how culture and innovation can coexist in a single, powerful collection.
Lastly, Les Benjamins made a stunning debut as the first Correspondent Designer of DFW with its Altai Turks/Altaicanacollection. Drawing from the ancient traditions and mythology of the Altai people, the collection exuded a sense of timelessness, blending streetwear influences with cultural storytelling. It was a fresh, compelling take on fashion that celebrated the heritage of the Altai people in a modern and innovative way.
Overall, Day 5 reinforced Dubai Fashion Week’s role as a global platform for designers to showcase their creativity, cultural pride, and forward-thinking vision. It was an unforgettable experience that beautifully highlighted the intersection of fashion, art, and heritage.
As DFW continues to evolve and grow, it remains clear that this event is not just about the spectacle of fashion shows—it’s about the meaningful connections and collaborations that happen behind the scenes. With strategic global partnerships and a commitment to showcasing the best of global talent, Dubai Fashion Week is set to be a staple on the international fashion calendar for years to come.
Save Article
